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Saturday, February 27, 2010

My 5th (and final) race of the Olympics!

After thinking I was going to watch the race from the sidelines, the competitors instinct took over….and I decided to race! I hate to admit how much I agonized about the decision, but I am happy with the outcome. While it was not my best race of the season, it was a very solid performance. My plan was to start slow and build into the race. Nearing the finish, I remember thinking that I wish I had 10 km to go in the race because I was gaining on a pack of skiers right ahead of me. Here are a few pictures that Rob took of all the wonderful fans from the race today, more to come tomorrow. Lots of work to do: packing, logistics, and trying to find to my ski bag which has mysteriousl disappeared (which is a problem if one if trying to transport 20 pairs of skis. Rumor has it that Petra Madjic travels with 100 pairs of skis!)

I was almost embarrassed by all the support out there today and these past two weeks. You guys are awesome and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. I feel like I was the luckiest racer out there.

Hugs to everyone,

Holly

P.S. Because of Olympic rules, I can’t post race photos for a few more days…but count on a HUGE post of race photos once that time comes!!!!

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Linda Cresup of Anchorage made this sweeet banner! Thanks Linda!

..a close up.

....on the jumbo-tron after finishing my 30 km race

SUPERFANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .....along the final 180 turn to the finish

Erica and Jaime!

This has got to be the coolest picture of the coolest people at Callahan Valley!

Friends Erin and Rob Gates from Portland drove up for the weekend. (Erin is from the US, Rob from Canada...thus the flags.)

6 comments:

I'm pretty sure you're number 1. No questions. You inspire me to do more Holly. You are truly an amazing Olympian. That's right, for the rest of your life you will be branded an Olympian. Congratulations.

Thanks for taking us all along for the Olympic adventure Holly! I was finally an Olympian--vicariously--through your photos and descriptions of these last Olympic days. Your graciousness has made us all so proud of you. You are a WINNER in all the ways that count most. Thank you for making this a wonderful few weeks!

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About Me

I have enjoyed a very non-traditional path to becoming a full time cross country ski racer for USA. After a medicore junior and college ski racing career I moved to Alaska and worked as a fulltime coach for my club, APU Nordic Ski Center. Without knowing it, this provided the base and training I needed to surprise everyone by qualifying for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver; as a coach! Now, two years later I am a full time ski racer & member of the National Team. In my spare time I am pursuing a master's degree in counseling, serving my community, playing in the mountain in Alaska, and drinking WAY too much coffee for my own good!